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Ros Barber
This free course from the University of London explores critical thinking, and the interpretation of texts, through the Shakespeare authorship question. Using doubt about Shakespeare’s authorship as our playground, we will explore the key concept of authorship attribution, while developing skills in literary analysis, interpretation, and argument. Through forensic exploration of key texts, you will learn why Shakespeare’s authorship is questioned, and what evidence is cited on both sides of the debate.
Read more
This free course from the University of London explores critical thinking, and the interpretation of texts, through the Shakespeare authorship question. Using doubt about Shakespeare’s authorship as our playground, we will explore the key concept of authorship attribution, while developing skills in literary analysis, interpretation, and argument. Through forensic exploration of key texts, you will learn why Shakespeare’s authorship is questioned, and what evidence is cited on both sides of the debate.
Read more
This free course from the University of London explores critical thinking, and the interpretation of texts, through the Shakespeare authorship question. Using doubt about Shakespeare’s authorship as our playground, we will explore the key concept of authorship attribution, while developing skills in literary analysis, interpretation, and argument. Through forensic exploration of key texts, you will learn why Shakespeare’s authorship is questioned, and what evidence is cited on both sides of the debate.
For those of you interested in exploring the works of Shakespeare from a new angle, or just wanting to hone your analytical thinking skills, this course offers an introduction to a fascinating area of interest. Those of you already interested in the Shakespeare authorship question will be encouraged to question your own assumptions in fruitful ways. Whether undertaken as a standalone course, or as preparation for the University of London BA in English, this course will be food for thought.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/h6qkbq/introduction
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What's inside
Syllabus
Understanding the Question
This week is a practical introduction to the Shakespeare authorship question, covering terms and concepts you will use and outlining the basic arguments for and against William Shakespeare’s authorship of the works attributed to him. You will learn a framework for understanding how a person’s perceptions (including your own) are shaped by pre-existing beliefs and assumptions and learn how this might impact your ability to interpret and assess literary and historical evidence. You will then be introduced to a key theory of the authorship question and to the first practical exercise in close-reading a relevant text.
Read more
Syllabus
Understanding the Question
This week is a practical introduction to the Shakespeare authorship question, covering terms and concepts you will use and outlining the basic arguments for and against William Shakespeare’s authorship of the works attributed to him. You will learn a framework for understanding how a person’s perceptions (including your own) are shaped by pre-existing beliefs and assumptions and learn how this might impact your ability to interpret and assess literary and historical evidence. You will then be introduced to a key theory of the authorship question and to the first practical exercise in close-reading a relevant text.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines the Shakespeare authorship question, which is a unique area of inquiry
Taught by Ros Barber, who is recognized for their work in the field of Shakespeare authorship
Develops literary analysis, interpretation, and argument skills, which are highly sought after for academics and professionals alike
Suitable for learners with a strong interest in Shakespeare or critical thinking
Offered through the University of London, which is recognized for its academic and research excellence
Available for free, removing cost as a barrier to entry
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Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Unraveling shakespeare authorship critically
According to learners, this course offers a fascinating and balanced introduction to the complex Shakespeare authorship question. Students frequently commend its ability to develop strong critical thinking skills through the forensic exploration of key texts. The course is praised for its impartial presentation of evidence for and against traditional authorship, encouraging students to form their own conclusions rather than advocating a specific view. While some learners note its academic rigor and the need for careful engagement with detailed arguments, the structured modules and in-depth textual analysis, particularly of the First Folio and 'Hand D', are consistently highlighted as strengths. It's considered an excellent standalone course for those interested in literary analysis or as preparation for further academic study.
University-level content, potentially challenging for some.
"While informative, the academic depth sometimes made it challenging to follow without a prior literary background."
"This course is truly university-level; expect to engage with complex arguments and detailed academic discourse."
"I found myself needing to re-read certain sections to fully grasp the nuances, but it was ultimately rewarding."
In-depth forensic exploration of key historical texts.
"The close-reading exercises, especially on 'Hand D' and the First Folio, were incredibly insightful and thorough."
"I gained a much deeper understanding of how historical and literary documents are analyzed in scholarship."
"This course really dives into the specifics of the evidence, which is precisely what I was looking for."
Presents all sides of the authorship debate fairly.
"I truly appreciated how impartially the arguments for and against traditional authorship were presented."
"The course avoids taking a side, which allowed me to draw my own well-reasoned conclusions based on the evidence."
"They didn't push any agenda, which made the exploration feel genuinely academic and open-minded."
Develops strong analytical and interpretative skills.
"This course helped me hone my critical analysis skills in a significant way, which is incredibly valuable."
"I learned how to dissect arguments and evaluate historical evidence, applying it to new contexts."
"It teaches you how to think deeply about literary and historical claims, not just what to believe."
Focuses on the debate, not on definitive answers.
"I came into the course hoping for a clear answer on who wrote Shakespeare, but it's more about the debate itself."
"Don't expect to leave with a 'smoking gun'; it's truly about understanding the arguments and the scholarly process."
"Some parts felt a bit dry because I was looking for a more conclusive or narrative-driven approach."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Who Wrote Shakespeare with these
activities:
Review basic literary devices
Show steps
Brush up on your knowledge of literary devices to strengthen your ability to analyze texts.
Show steps
-
Read an article or blog post about common literary devices.
-
Create a list of the devices, their definitions, and examples.
-
Practice identifying literary devices in short texts.
Review English history and literature
Show steps
Build a stronger foundation for understanding Shakespeare's works by refreshing your knowledge of English history and literature.
Show steps
-
Read summaries or watch documentaries about key historical events in Shakespeare's time.
-
Review literary works from the Elizabethan era, including plays, poetry, and prose.
-
Consider the social, cultural, and political context of Shakespeare's works.
Analyze Shakespearean sonnets
Show steps
Practice close reading and analysis of complex texts by analyzing Shakespearean sonnets.
Browse courses on
Shakespeare
Show steps
-
Read a Shakespearean sonnet closely, paying attention to its structure, language, and themes.
-
Identify literary devices used in the sonnet.
-
Write a short analysis of the sonnet, interpreting its meaning and significance.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore digital resources on Shakespeare's authorship
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the authorship question by exploring reputable digital resources and engaging with online discussions.
Browse courses on
Shakespeare
Show steps
-
Visit websites and online forums dedicated to the Shakespeare authorship question.
-
Watch videos and documentaries about the authorship debate.
-
Participate in online discussions and share your insights.
Read 'Shakespeare: The Missing Years' by Charles Nicholl
Show steps
Delve into the life and career of Shakespeare by reading this comprehensive biography, gaining insights into the man and his work.
Show steps
Run a mock trial on authorship.
Show steps
Develop your critical thinking and argumentation skills by participating in a mock trial on the authorship of Shakespeare's works.
Browse courses on
Authorship
Show steps
-
Gather a group of peers and assign roles.
-
Research evidence and arguments for and against the authorship question.
-
Present findings and engage in a debate.
-
Analyze the trial and identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Write a blog post or article on the Shakespeare authorship question
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the authorship question by summarizing and presenting it in a clear and engaging manner.
Browse courses on
Shakespeare
Show steps
-
Research the authorship question and gather evidence.
-
Organize and synthesize your findings into a coherent narrative.
-
Write a well-structured blog post or article, presenting your arguments and supporting evidence.
-
Share and promote your work online.
Enter a Shakespeare essay writing competition
Show steps
Test your knowledge and analysis skills by participating in a Shakespeare essay writing competition, receiving feedback from experts.
Browse courses on
Shakespeare
Show steps
-
Research and select a topic related to Shakespeare's authorship or works.
-
Develop a well-argued and supported essay.
-
Submit your essay to the competition.
-
Receive feedback on your essay and learn from experts.
Review basic literary devices
Show steps
Brush up on your knowledge of literary devices to strengthen your ability to analyze texts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read an article or blog post about common literary devices.
- Create a list of the devices, their definitions, and examples.
- Practice identifying literary devices in short texts.
Review English history and literature
Show steps
Build a stronger foundation for understanding Shakespeare's works by refreshing your knowledge of English history and literature.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read summaries or watch documentaries about key historical events in Shakespeare's time.
- Review literary works from the Elizabethan era, including plays, poetry, and prose.
- Consider the social, cultural, and political context of Shakespeare's works.
Analyze Shakespearean sonnets
Show steps
Practice close reading and analysis of complex texts by analyzing Shakespearean sonnets.
Browse courses on
Shakespeare
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a Shakespearean sonnet closely, paying attention to its structure, language, and themes.
- Identify literary devices used in the sonnet.
- Write a short analysis of the sonnet, interpreting its meaning and significance.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore digital resources on Shakespeare's authorship
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the authorship question by exploring reputable digital resources and engaging with online discussions.
Browse courses on
Shakespeare
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit websites and online forums dedicated to the Shakespeare authorship question.
- Watch videos and documentaries about the authorship debate.
- Participate in online discussions and share your insights.
Read 'Shakespeare: The Missing Years' by Charles Nicholl
Show steps
Delve into the life and career of Shakespeare by reading this comprehensive biography, gaining insights into the man and his work.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Run a mock trial on authorship.
Show steps
Develop your critical thinking and argumentation skills by participating in a mock trial on the authorship of Shakespeare's works.
Browse courses on
Authorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a group of peers and assign roles.
- Research evidence and arguments for and against the authorship question.
- Present findings and engage in a debate.
- Analyze the trial and identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Write a blog post or article on the Shakespeare authorship question
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the authorship question by summarizing and presenting it in a clear and engaging manner.
Browse courses on
Shakespeare
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the authorship question and gather evidence.
- Organize and synthesize your findings into a coherent narrative.
- Write a well-structured blog post or article, presenting your arguments and supporting evidence.
- Share and promote your work online.
Enter a Shakespeare essay writing competition
Show steps
Test your knowledge and analysis skills by participating in a Shakespeare essay writing competition, receiving feedback from experts.
Browse courses on
Shakespeare
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and select a topic related to Shakespeare's authorship or works.
- Develop a well-argued and supported essay.
- Submit your essay to the competition.
- Receive feedback on your essay and learn from experts.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Who Wrote Shakespeare will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
English Professor
English Professor
English Professors teach courses in English literature, language, and writing. This course can be helpful to an English Professor, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and literary analysis can help an English Professor to better understand and analyze English literature.
Professor
Professor
Professors teach courses at colleges and universities. This course can be helpful to a Professor, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and literary analysis can help a Professor to better understand and analyze course materials.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians assist patrons in finding and using library resources. This course can be helpful to a Librarian, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and literary analysis can help a Librarian to better understand and analyze library resources.
Historian
Historian
Historians research, analyze, and interpret historical events. This course can be helpful to a Historian, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and forensic exploration of key texts can help a Historian to better understand and analyze historical events.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write and edit news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course can be helpful to a Journalist, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and literary analysis can help a Journalist to better understand and analyze news events.
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Literary Agents represent authors and negotiate contracts for their work. This course can be helpful to a Literary Agent, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and literary analysis can help a Literary Agent to better understand and analyze literary works.
Editor
Editor
Editors oversee the creation and production of written content. This course can be helpful to an Editor, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and literary analysis can help an Editor to better understand and analyze written content.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums and galleries. This course can be helpful to a Museum Curator, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and forensic exploration of key texts can help a Museum Curator to better understand and analyze museum collections.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists organize, preserve, and provide access to historical documents. This course can be helpful to an Archivist, as its focus on critical thinking, interpretation of texts, and forensic exploration of key texts can help an Archivist to better understand and analyze historical documents.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. This course may be useful to a Lawyer, as its focus on critical thinking and interpretation of texts can help a Lawyer to better understand and analyze legal documents.
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers plan and implement public relations campaigns. This course may be useful to a Public Relations Manager, as its focus on critical thinking and interpretation of texts can help a Public Relations Manager to better understand and analyze public relations campaigns.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
Market Researchers conduct research to understand market trends and consumer behavior. This course may be useful to a Market Researcher, as its focus on critical thinking and interpretation of texts can help a Market Researcher to better understand and analyze market research data.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for organizations. This course may be useful to a Grant Writer, as its focus on critical thinking and interpretation of texts can help a Grant Writer to better understand and analyze funding opportunities.
College or University Administrator
College or University Administrator
College or University Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a college or university. This course may be useful to a College or University Administrator, as its focus on critical thinking and interpretation of texts can help an Administrator to better understand and analyze policies and procedures.
Information Scientist
Information Scientist
Information Scientists design and implement systems for managing and retrieving information. This course may be useful to an Information Scientist, as its focus on critical thinking and interpretation of texts can help an Information Scientist to better understand and analyze information systems.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/h6qkbq/introduction
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Who Wrote Shakespeare.
Save
This is the definitive collection of Shakespeare's works, including all of his plays, sonnets, and poems. This is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying or reading Shakespeare.
This comprehensive and authoritative reference work on all aspects of Shakespeare's life, works, and times. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying or researching Shakespeare.
Highly accessible, engaging, and comprehensive introduction to both Shakespeare's life and works. Bryson writes with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm that makes this book a pleasure to read.
Argues that Shakespeare's plays helped to create our modern understanding of the human condition, providing insights into his psychological and philosophical insights.
Explores the ways in which Shakespeare's plays have been adapted and rewritten over the centuries, providing insights into the enduring power and relevance of his work.
Presents a collection of essays on various aspects of the Shakespeare authorship controversy, providing a range of perspectives on the issue.
Save
This biography provides a detailed and engaging account of Shakespeare's life, drawing on a wide range of sources.
Save
Examines the ways in which Shakespeare used historical events and figures in his plays, providing insights into his political and social thought.
Save
Provides a vivid and comprehensive account of the world in which Shakespeare lived, including the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped his life and work.
This collection includes a number of plays that have been attributed to Shakespeare, but whose authorship is uncertain. These plays provide valuable insights into the development of Shakespeare's style and thought.
This play fictional account of Shakespeare's early life and love affairs. It provides a different perspective on Shakespeare, the man, and his work.
Presents a detailed and controversial argument that Shakespeare's plays were actually written by a group of elite intellectuals, including Francis Bacon and Christopher Marlowe.
Save
This thriller novel explores the authorship controversy, suggesting that Shakespeare's plays were actually written by a group of secret agents.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/h6qkbq/introduction
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Rating
4.7
Effort
Approx. 20 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institutions
University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London
Instructor
Ros Barber
Language
English
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